While a 40% New Year’s resolution success rate after six months may seem low, Dr. Norcross published an additional study in 2002 showing otherwise. The 2002 study compared ‘resolvers’, individuals who made New Year’s resolutions versus ‘non-resolvers’, those who did not make New Year’s resolutions, but were interested in changing a problem later in the year. He found that after six months, 46% of ‘resolvers’ were continuously successful in their goal(s) compared to 4% of ‘non-resolvers’. The mere act of setting intentional goals, aids in being successful at changing problems or habits.

Do you want to be in that 46% of ‘resolvers’ that succeeds in 2016? If so, keep these five tips in mind as you approach your goals:

Change one behavior at a time. The American Psychological Association states that “Unhealthy behaviors develop over the course of time, therefore replacing unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones also requires time.” People often fail at New Year’s resolutions because they have high expectations and try to change too many behaviors at one time.

Set up your life to minimize temptations. According to a study led by Dr. Wilhelm Hofmann at the University of Chicago, the people that succeed are those that practice self-control and don’t surround themselves with temptations.

Implementing these tips towards your New Year’s resolutions just might get you a spot in the 46% of effective resolvers. For more details on how psychology can help you stick to your resolutions, check out this recent podcast featuring The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Here’s to a successful and productive 2016!

About the Author

Amanda Shaver is a Ph.D. student at the University of Georgia. She enjoys dancing, crafting, and playing with her dog Mr. Peabody. High on her list of accomplishments is eating a whole block of cheddar cheese in one sitting without negative consequences. You can email her at Amanda.shaver@uga.edu or follow her on Twitter @AOShaver.